Case Study:

Transforming Early Childhood Education with Care Solutions and DECAL

Points of Interest:

Introduction

Imagine you’re a state official tasked with improving early childhood education for hundreds of thousands of children across Georgia. The mission sounds noble—and it is—but the logistics are overwhelming. You’re dealing with tight budgets, evolving regulations, and the constant need for program improvements. This is the situation facing the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), which manages initiatives for children from birth through age four. DECAL needed a partner who could streamline processes, handle complex fiscal responsibilities, and deliver scalable, user-friendly technology. For almost 20 years, that partner has been Care Solutions.

This case study illustrates how CSI has become an invaluable partner to DECAL, transforming the delivery and management of crucial programs that impact early childhood education across the state.

Understanding DECAL’s Challenges

DECAL’s mission is to create a seamless, high-quality early childhood system. They manage everything from licensing childcare centers to providing childcare subsidies for low-income families. But to maximize the reach and efficiency of these programs, DECAL faced significant challenges. They needed to streamline funding, increase operational efficiency, and improve their ability to respond to community needs. They required a solution that not only simplified fiscal management but also integrated modern technology and customer service to enhance user experience. This is where CSI came in, bringing a unique blend of technology and human expertise to support DECAL’s evolving requirements.

The Role of Care Solutions

CSI quickly became more than just a contractor for DECAL—they became a trusted partner. Here’s how:

Financial Stewardship and Program Efficiency: CSI took on the fiscal responsibilities of DECAL’s programs, managing everything from issuing checks to handling tax liabilities. For example, when DECAL distributes stipends or scholarships to early childhood educators, CSI handles the entire process, from gathering applicants’ payment data to issuing year-end tax documents. They ensure that payments are processed quickly and correctly, allowing DECAL to focus on higher-level strategy instead of getting bogged down by administrative tasks.
Customized Technology Solutions: CSI has worked closely with DECAL to develop a configurable software platform, tailored specifically to their needs. This technology is more than just a backend system; it’s a gateway for users who depend on DECAL’s services. Imagine being a teacher who needs a credential to improve her qualifications or access bonuses. From one system, she can find information about scholarship opportunities: from finding eligible schools and trainers to tracking her application status, uploading necessary documents, and receiving payments. This centralized resource has been particularly valuable for projects like the distribution of COVID-19 relief funds, where quick, direct payments were crucial. The system CSI created ensures that funds are disbursed accurately and quickly, giving teachers the financial support they need without unnecessary delays.
User-Centric Customer Support: An essential part of the CSI-DECAL partnership is customer support. Teachers, childcare center owners, and parents across the state reach out with questions about applications, eligibility, and more. For someone navigating an unfamiliar application process, the level of friendly, personalized support that Care Solutions provides is not just helpful; it’s essential. This kind of end-user experience is also crucial for maintaining trust in DECAL’s programs and helps to strengthen its reputation within the community.
Fraud Prevention and Compliance: In handling funds, CSI takes a dual approach to fraud prevention, combining sophisticated technology with human oversight. Their software is designed to flag inconsistencies, while their team conducts manual reviews to ensure accuracy. For example, a childcare provider applying for funds will have their application scrutinized for valid social security numbers, matching signatures, and legitimate documentation. This proactive approach protects DECAL’s resources and ensures that funds go to deserving recipients, reinforcing DECAL’s role as a responsible steward of public money.

Impact of the CSI-DECAL Partnership

The partnership has yielded transformative results for DECAL, improving operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and program effectiveness. Here’s a closer look at what DECAL and its end-users have gained:

Faster Program Launches and Greater Flexibility: CSI has a proven track record of delivering software solutions rapidly to keep pace with the state’s changing needs. This means that DECAL can implement new programs quickly to respond to shifts and trends in early childhood education – including the COVID-19 pandemic – without the usual red tape. Bigger changes also go smoothly: Care Solutions recently rebuilt one of DECAL’s core systems from the ground up in just 18 months, while continuing to run the program uninterrupted.
Improved User Experience for Teachers and Providers: The software CSI developed for DECAL has revolutionized the application and payment processes for users. Educators applying for professional development scholarships, professional development stipends, or credentialing bonuses now have access to a transparent, streamlined portal. They can track their progress through every step, receiving real-time updates. This level of transparency reduces stress for applicants and eliminates the guesswork that often accompanies government programs.
Reporting and Analytics: The reporting tools within CSI’s system enable DECAL staff to access data on demand. For instance, if DECAL wants to evaluate the impact of a specific program, they can easily generate reports to see how many participants have received funds, the total amount distributed, and other critical metrics — and drill down to the right level of detail. CSI’s platform not only offers pre-configured reports but also allows for custom queries, giving DECAL the flexibility to track and measure program success. This capability empowers DECAL to make data-driven decisions and adapt programs based on real-world insights.

Conclusion

The partnership between Care Solutions, Inc. and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning illustrates the transformative power of combining technology with human-centered service. CSI has not only helped DECAL improve operational efficiency but also enhanced the overall experience for educators and childcare providers across the state. Through flexible software solutions, dedicated support teams, and proactive problem-solving, CSI enables DECAL to achieve its mission of delivering high-quality early childhood education.

For businesses and agencies looking to simplify complex processes, enhance user experience, and ensure robust program management, CSI can design an efficient, adaptable solution. The success of the DECAL partnership speaks to CSI’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and lasting impact—qualities that can benefit any organization aiming to make a meaningful difference.

Key Takeaways for Potential Clients

For organizations considering a partnership with CSI, the DECAL case offers valuable insights. Here are the core benefits that any business can expect from working with CSI:

1

A Comprehensive Blend of Technology and Human Expertise: Care Solutions doesn’t just deliver software. They offer a unique combination of customized technology and dedicated human support, which makes CSI a strong partner for any organization looking to enhance both backend operations and customer service.

2

Proactive and Strategic Problem-Solving: Designing the right technology starts with the client’s mission and end goals. By understanding the desired outcomes first, CSI can build programs that support the current objectives of the organization, with an eye on whatever might come next. This level of strategic alignment means that clients can trust CSI to manage complex projects, confident that their needs are being met with thoughtful, informed solutions.

3

A Proven Record of Flexibility and Rapid Implementation: CSI’s experience with DECAL demonstrates their ability to deliver high-quality, adaptable solutions on an accelerated timeline. This capability is especially valuable for government agencies, nonprofits, or any organization that operates within a dynamic regulatory environment.